What are JFT, JLPT, NAT and more – Japanese Language Exams

यो पोस्ट नेपालीमा पढ्न यहाँ क्लिक गर्नुहोस्।

Planning to move to Japan? Whether you’re going to study, work, or build a long-term future, you’ll likely need to prove your Japanese language ability through a recognized test.

But the big question is: Which test should you take? JLPT? JFT-Basic? NAT-Test?
In this blog, we’ll break down the most common Japanese language tests taken by Nepalis — so you can confidently choose the right one for your goal.

1. JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)

Key Features:

The most widely recognized Japanese language test worldwide
Accepted by universities, employers, and immigration offices in Japan

Levels:

N5: Beginner
N1: Advanced (near-native)

Test Schedule:

Held twice a year — July & December

Ideal For:

Students applying to language schools or universities
Skilled workers aiming for higher-level jobs or permanent residence

Here is the official website 👈

2. JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese)

Key Features:

Required for the SSW (Specified Skilled Worker) visa
Focuses on basic, everyday communication — easier than JLPT

🗓️ Test Schedule:

Held frequently throughout the year (monthly in many cities)

🎯 Ideal For:

Nepalis applying for SSW visa (food, factory, caregiving, etc.)
Anyone looking for a practical, quick alternative to JLPT N4

For more information 👈

3. NAT-Test (Nihongo Ability Test)

Key Features:

Alternative to JLPT — very popular in Nepal
More flexible and held more frequently

Levels:

Level 5 (Basic) to Level 1 (Advanced) — similar to JLPT N5 to N1

🎯 Ideal For:

Students preparing to go to Japan
Those who missed the JLPT exam window and need a quick result

For more information 👈

4. TOP-J (Test of Proficiency in Japanese)

Key Features:

Accepted by some Japanese language schools
Less recognized overall

🎯 Ideal For:

Beginners who want a practice-level test
A backup option if JLPT or NAT isn’t available

📊 Comparison Table:

Exam	Best For	Levels	Difficulty	Frequency
JLPT	Students, skilled professionals	N5–N1	★★★★☆	July & December
JFT-Basic	SSW visa applicants	Basic	★★☆☆☆	Monthly (flexible)
NAT-Test	Students & visa seekers	Level 5–1	★★★☆☆	5 times per year
TOP-J	Beginners (low-stakes)	A–C	★★☆☆☆	Irregular